In a European history class at the University of California, Berkeley, a professor shows his students a portrait of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V on horseback, suited up for battle. "Why would a king ruling in an age of gunpowder wear armor?" the professor asks. Class discussion ensues until one clever student finally gets it. "That's what leaders are supposed to look like. That's what leaders are supposed to wear."

Researchers at the IT Leadership Academy recalled this classroom scene as we pondered this month's CIO Habitat topic. What does IT decision making really look like? Is there a right way to make these decisions and to show this kind of leadership?